Monday morning commuters likely to face snow-covered roads

Most state highways in mid-Missouri, including Interstates 70 and 44 and U.S. Routes 63, 54 and 50, will likely remain snow covered when motorists head to work tomorrow morning.

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By Staff Reports

The Rolla Daily News - Rolla, MO

By Staff Reports

Posted Jan. 5, 2014 at 9:30 PM

By Staff Reports

Posted Jan. 5, 2014 at 9:30 PM

Most state highways in mid-Missouri, including Interstates 70 and 44 and U.S. Routes 63, 54 and 50, will likely remain snow covered when motorists head to work tomorrow morning.

Missouri Department of Transportation crews have been out in force plowing state roads since last night, but drifting snow caused by blowing winds, coupled with extremely cold temperatures, have made clearing roadways difficult.

"Driving could still be slow-going and difficult when motorists head out tomorrow morning, so they should allow extra time for their commutes and drive according to the conditions," said MoDOT Central District Maintenance Engineer Randy Aulbur. "We're working as hard as we can to clear the roads, and we ask drivers to be patient with us while we battle this latest winter storm."

While crews have been working around the clock, the bitterly cold temperatures make it difficult to treat roadways with salt and other snow-melting materials. Even in areas where crews have made progress, it's possible motorists may encounter slick spots where refreeze has occurred or blowing snow has covered an already-plowed roadway.

"We will stay with it until we can restore state routes to near-normal conditions," said Aulbur. "I would encourage everyone to be very careful, give our snow plows plenty of room, and check on road conditions if you do have to travel."

As always, drivers are encouraged not to travel if they can avoid it. If they do have to venture out, they can get the latest road conditions by checking MoDOT's Traveler Information Map at http://www.modot.org/ or by calling MoDOT's customer service center 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (888-275-6636). The toll-free phone line is answered 24-hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

In addition, MoDOT offers the following tips for driving in inclement weather:

• Slow down.

• Steer and brake gently.

• Accelerate slowly at intersections.

• Allow plenty of distance between your vehicle and the one ahead of you.

• Stay back 100 feet from snow plows that may be spreading salt. Avoid passing snow plows, even when on a multi-lane road.